Saturday, April 14, 2012

finish

As an artist, one question that I must be asked time and again is, "How do you know when you are finished with a work of art?" It is truly something hard to answer but there is a feeling that when you walk away nothing is tugging at you. Quite often, I must admit to needing the time to step aside and leave it and then I can see what needs to be strengthened or punched up.

I know countless artists who have numerous works unfinished. It has nothing to do with procrastination but in finding just the right ending or finish. Have any of you ever experienced this? The joy lies in stepping back and saying, I have reached the end or the finish. Like a marathon runner or writer so much of the work is in the training or the words, yet crossing that finish line or ending is pure victory.

You are speaking to me girlfriend! I have a work of art in my Master Bath that I want to put some finishing touches; however do I really need to? I have over-painted some and become really unhappy with the result.

Patricia,I am having a $100 Gift Card Giveaway from Soft Surroundings If you would like to enter.

i don't know how you do it but you do it so well. i stare at the painting you did of my home quite often and wonder just how you got the tiniest of details perfectly executed and yet the whole picture is just so relaxed. truly the work of an artist. xo

Such an interesting post. Many writers start at the end; or, at least, they have the end in mind (last sentence, usually) when they begin. Visual art doesn't allow that luxury. I think a lot of potentially good art has been ruined by folks who didn't know when to stop. Clearly, you know when! Beautiful painting!

I would imagine this is rather difficult for painters. A work could go in so may different directions. Stepping back perhaps gives you some additional perspective in how "finished" you want the final piece to be!

Some of my favorite paintings are those left unfinished by the artist. One wonders, why is it so? I love them. One that comes to mid, is Gilbert Stuart's portait of Martha Washington, in the collection of the MFBoston...